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6 Qualities to Look for in a Reputable HVAC Contractor
The heating and cooling system is a major part of a home, and represents a substantial investment. Hiring a reputable HVAC contractor for maintenance, repairs or installation is an important step in preserving that investment. Here in Denver, there are many companies to choose from, so how do you know whom to hire? Here are 6 qualities to look for in a reliable HVAC professional.
1. Experience and Knowledge
When it comes to servicing your HVAC system, experience and expertise count much more than price and should be at the top of your list of must-haves. How many years of experience does the technician have? How long has the company been in business? How does the company ensure that its technicians keep up with changes in technology and products?
2. Good reputation.
Check a variety of sources including references from the contractor, online reviews and third parties, such as The Better Business Bureau. Get referrals from people you know and trust for HVAC technicians they were happy with and would hire again. Check references and make sure the scope of the work they had done matches your job.
3. Licensed and certified with the International Code Council.
Reputable contractors will not hesitate to show licensing paperwork as well as proof of insurance and bonding. Check and verify the information. Choosing a company that requires its technicians to have NATE certification (North American Technician Excellence) shows that they are efficient, knowledgeable and professional.
4. Provides a free in-home estimate on equipment replacement.
A proper estimate requires a thorough inspection of your home to determine the correct size and equipment. This will impact the performance and efficiency of your HVAC system over its lifetime. Any company that offers an estimate without evaluating your home first cannot provide a proper estimate.
5. Versatile
An HVAC technician should be versed in a wide range of makes and models and have the ability to work on all of them. A quality contractor will be knowledgeable about energy efficiency, able to install the latest energy-efficient models and able to explain the cost savings these models achieve.
6. Fair pricing
Reputable HVAC companies offer fair pricing, but price should only be considered in conjunction with all the other factors. The best contractor may not be the cheapest, and the cheapest is rarely the best (and may end up costing way more in the long run). Always get 2-3 estimates and evaluate them on all of these attributes.
